See Me by Nicholas Sparks

I am a massive Nicholas Sparks fan. I've read EVERY book he's ever written. My favorites are: A Walk to Remember and the Last Song.

I was excited to read Nicholas Sparks' newest book, See Me. I broke my rule of not reading a book for fun during the semester, but I was on a waiting list at the library and couldn't give up my spot.

See Me is about a Mexican women, named Maria in her late 20s and her family. Since I'm Mexican, I thought it could be even more interesting.

All the books involve love and plot twists you don't see coming, so this one was no different. Let's see...Maria works in a law office. She meets a tattooed guy often on the wrong side of the law. Colin is going to school to be a teacher, tends bar, and is an MMA fighter. They come from very different worlds, but still fall in love. Shocking, right?!

A twist is that Maria gets a stalker. Yeah, I know; weird. Then the stalker gets violent. Then, there turns out to be 2 stalkers, but no one can figure out who they are until the end. Maria and her family's safety is at risk. Colin wants to protect her, but can't get in any trouble with the law or risk going to prison. Yada, yada, yada. They all live and stay together, while the stalkers face justice and unhappy fates. Pretty much just like we want plots to end, right?

It was an interesting read, but not one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks' books. Here's hoping they don't make it into a movie!

McFarland, USA

By now, you know I love movies. I saw terrific previews for McFarland, USA and knew I had to see it. We all love movies where the underdog wins. Plus, it's about a Mexican community which I identify with as a Mexican.

The only big name star in the movie, was the polarizing Kevin Costner. I love his voice and movies. The movie is based on a true story; my favorite! Costner plays hot-headed football coach, Jim White whose temper gets him fired...a lot!. Yet, again his family of four has to move to another town for work, McFarland, California. There he helps coach football and teaches science and P.E. His hot-head gets him fired from football. His family struggles to get used to a new town. As he drives, he sees high school students run really fast. There, he gets the idea to form a cross country team. Valente Rodriguez, from the George Lopez show, plays the funny principal who okays Jim starting a cross country team. His first recruit is a boy he protected on the football team which got both of them kicked off. That boy helps him recruit more, including the three Diaz brothers, including slow Danny. Danny, Coach White explains will be the teams anchor.

The hard working kids get up at literally the crack of dawn to help their families pick fruits and vegetables in the fields, go to school, run, then help in the fields again. White wakes up one morning and helps in the field all day to see what their lives are really like. He gives the boys hope that with cross country they can go to college.

Focusing on cross country causes Coach White to miss his daughter's birthday. With the help of his new friends and the Mexican community, he gives her a Quinceañera. This celebrates her becoming a woman.

His team loses it's first competition, but learns from it and trains to do better. All their hard work pays off and they qualify for state finals, despite many ups and downs along the way. The team grows to respect Coach White. They end up winning state with the support of their community. All the boys end up going to college. Coach White leads several more cross country state titles before retiring. Most of the guys on his first team, live and work in that same community, most even teaching at local schools. They continue to run with the cross country team to stay connected. My friends and parents really liked it. A bonus is the fun Mexican music throughout the movie. Pretty sweet story! Check it out.



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Recipe #4: Pan-Fried Chicken Tacos

So, I'm Mexican, but I only made pan-fried tacos for the first time last month. Why haven't I made them before, they're so easy!

I made them again, today. So, I had some chicken I'd cooked and I added it to a pan with some taco seasoning and a little water. Next, I added the seasoned meat to tortillas and pan-fried them. We added avocado, raw cabbaage, red onion, cheese, and salsa. So good!

Needless to say, my friend loved them! :)

Chicken Salad Update:
Shocking news! My grandma LOVED my chicken salad recipe I made last weekend. She normally isn't a huge fan of my cooking, so this is big news! She liked it so much she had two helpings and asked if I had more at home. She's one of the very best cooks I know, so this is truly high praise and I'm one happy girl. :)

I made some for my parents. My mom loved it and asked for my recipe. She's an amazing cook too.

I shared some with a friend who also asked for my recipe.

You know you've done something right when people ask for your recipe. :)

Has anyone tried any of the recipes I've shared?